In a bold step toward curbing the influence of money in elections, Wyoming’s state legislature has introduced SJ0008, a resolution urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would allow states and Congress to decide whether and how to address the influence of money in politics. Sponsored by Sen. Ed Cooper and 32 of his colleagues in both the Senate and House, the resolution aims to ensure that political spending is transparent and reduces the dominance of outside and dark money in state and federal elections.
At the heart of this resolution is a commitment to federalism and the principle that states know best how to protect their citizens from undue influence.
“Wyomingites overwhelmingly support taking action against the corrosive effects of dark money in politics and foreign interference in our elections. The Cowboy State needs to maintain our core values, and that means taking action to safeguard our democracy from foreign and out-of-state forces,” said Cooper.
Recent polling shows that 88% of Wyoming residents view the influence of money as a threat to democracy, and nearly 75% support the constitutional amendment as a solution.
“This resolution carries deep support from Wyoming voters, and it addresses a fundamental right that states control their own elections and that power be concentrated in the hands of voters,” said American Promise CEO Jeff Clements.
American Promise has been active in Wyoming for eight years, and is grateful for the leadership of former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson. Last year, we worked with key in-state stakeholders to lay the groundwork for this legislative session, and are now seeing strong support for a resolution.
Wyoming’s move to join in support of the For Our Freedom Amendment comes at a pivotal moment in the national debate over money in politics. In 2024, election spending soared to more than $20 billion, making it one of the most expensive election cycles in U.S. history. Wyoming saw a record breaking flood of dark money from out-of-state during the contentious 2024 election cycle.
In addition to Wyoming, American Promise has been working with state legislators across the country to mobilize support for this effort. For the amendment to become part of the Constitution, it will require proposal by a two-thirds majority in Congress followed by ratification in three-fourths of the states. The progress in Wyoming contributes to the growing momentum behind this effort: just last week Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore announced he would be introducing a resolution in support of such an amendment.
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